Head of Safeguarding in Guildford

We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic safeguarding specialist to be our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO) to lead safeguarding across the Diocese. This is a senior leadership role with independent authority of the Diocesan Bishop, responsible for the professional oversight of safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The Head of Safeguarding provides expert guidance, manages safeguarding concerns and allegations, and ensures the implementation of national safeguarding standards. You will lead a dedicated team, collaborate with senior clergy and external agencies, and ensure that safeguarding is embedded in every aspect of diocesan life.

Some of the key responsibilities of the role include:

• Culture, leadership, and Capacity
  • Lead the development and implementation of the diocesan safeguarding strategy.
  • Work closely with the Bishop of Guildford, Cathedral Dean, Diocesan Secretary, and senior clergy to promote a culture of safeguarding excellence.
  • Support the Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP), ensuring effective governance and oversight.
  • Oversee diocesan responses to audits, quality assurance, and Safeguarding Practice Reviews.
• Prevention
  • Implement the Church of England’s Safeguarding Code of Practice across the Diocese.
  • Provide expert safeguarding advice to clergy, parishes, and the Cathedral.
  • Ensure safer recruitment practices are followed across all diocesan bodies.
  • Develop and oversee the diocesan safeguarding training plan in line with the Church of England’s Learning and Development Framework.
  • Ensure training is high-quality, legally compliant, and regularly reviewed.
• Recognise, Assess and Manage Risk
  • Lead and coordinate all safeguarding casework within the Diocese, ensuring that work is completed as required by Church of England Managing Safeguarding Allegations Code of Practice, and statutory guidance and legal responsibilities.
  • Participate in Case Management Groups, supporting the chair to ensure proper case management and ensure lessons learned are shared with DSAP.
  • Collaborate with senior leaders to report Serious Safeguarding Incidents to the Charity Commission.
• Victims & Survivors
  • Coordinate responses to disclosures of abuse, ensuring timely and compassionate support.
  • Implement the House of Bishops’ policy on responding well to victims and survivors.
• Learning, Supervision and Support
  • Work collaboratively with the National Safeguarding Team and other Church of England Safeguarding Officers, attending national safeguarding events and activities as required.
  • Engage in continual professional development, including ensuring that the requirements of the National Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework for Diocesan Safeguarding Officers are met.
• General
  • Lead and develop the safeguarding team, fostering a culture of collaboration and reflective practice.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven leadership and strategic planning skills.
• A professional qualification or equivalent experience (e.g., in social care or criminal justice), with current professional registration where applicable.
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy, and best practice.
• Experience of leading/facilitating/influencing organisational culture change to develop good safeguarding practice and healthy safeguarding cultures.
• Experience in managing complex safeguarding casework and risk assessments.
• Experience working with victims, survivors, and perpetrators of abuse.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
• Familiarity with Church of England safeguarding frameworks and governance structures.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the Church of England.

Benefits of the role include:

• Competitive salary within the Charity Sector
• A 10% non-contributory pension
• Life assurance provision of 3x annual salary
• 25 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays
• An employee assistance programme
• Learning and development opportunities

Ready to Apply? Submit your CV along with a detailed supporting statement (cover letter), outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification. The supporting statement is an essential part of the application process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered.

This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in accordance with our Safer Recruitment Guidelines. The Diocese takes our responsibility for the safeguarding of children and adults seriously. Our recruitment processes reflect this commitment.

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how your personal data will be processed during the recruitment process, please read our Candidate Privacy Notice before applying. We believe that diversity is a strength. We actively welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities, particularly those who identify as female, younger, of a UK Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage, or disabled, as it is essential that we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Please note that if you are shortlisted and are unable to attend on the interview date, it may not be possible to offer you an alternative date.